Recommended Adapter To Use 4-Way on Vehicle With 7-Way On Utility Trailer
Question:
I have a 6 x 10 utility trailer with electric brakes. I have two vehicles that Id like to tow it with. One has brake controller and round 7 pin connector. The other vehicle does not have brake controller and has the four pin flat connector. When I tow the trailer in the vehicle with no controller and four pin connector, Id just like to tow the trailer without using the trailer brakes. So, my question is can I bypass the trailer brakes, and if so, what adapter do I need to use to plug in the round 7 pin connector to my four pin flat connector on the second vehicle?
asked by: Buster
Expert Reply:
You may want to check with the authorities to make sure you can tow a trailer that has brakes without the use of a brake controller in the vehicle. Towing a trailer with inactive brakes can create a dangerous situation. I recommend using a brake controller in the second vehicle to safely tow your trailer with brakes.
You can easily install a brake controller and the wiring needed to let you use the 7-way connector on the trailer for both vehicles. You can install an adapter that has both the 4-way and the 7-way connector on your vehicle with the 4-way. This is part # 37185. You can just attach the white ground wire and tape off the remaining 3 wires if you just want the running lights, turn signals, and brake lights. You will want to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to make sure you match the wires correctly.
If you decide you want to install a brake controller on your second vehicle I recommend the Prodigy P2, part # 90885. To install the wiring for the brake controller you would also need part # ETBC7 instead of the # 37185.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Multi-Function Adapter
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: AxleTek Brake Assembly Recommendation for 8k Axles with 4 Bolt Mounting Pattern
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Installing a Brake Controller and a 7-Way Trailer Connector on a 2005 Ford F-150 With Factory 4-Way
- Q&A: How to Add Tension to Solera Slide-Topper
- Q&A: Slide Topper Recommendation for Box Width of 90.5 Inches on Gulf Stream Vintage 23BHS
- Q&A: Replacement 7-Way Wiring Harness for 2005 Ford F-150 with Factory Tow Package
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Q&A: What is the Fuse Rating and Power Wire Gauge Used for Trailer Wiring Harness # 118571
- Q&A: Which Bolt Locking Hitch Pin Can be Keyed to a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Article: RV Propane Troubleshooting | Common Propane Issues and How to Solve Them